Sprecken, Keith Duane late of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, formerly of Griffin, Saskatchewan and spouse to Hazel (Lafrentz) Sprecken, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Keith Sprecken was born on January 6, 1933, to Carl and Florence Sprecken in Griffin, Saskatchewan. As an only child, friends played a very important role in his life, and he maintained close friendships spanning decades and ages.
Keith attended school in Griffin, graduating Grade 12, while helping his father on the farm. After graduation, he continued building his life on the farm. After meeting at a New Year's dance in Griffin he later married Hazel Lafrentz, a Halbrite gal, on October 15, 1960. Together, they raised three children: Todd, Jason, and Elan.
In 1959 Keith obtained his welding certification. In addition to farming, Keith also operated a snowmobile repair shop for several years. Between the welding and the snowmobiles there was always someone stopping by for a quick repair, a coffee, or just to visit. He later worked for the snowmobile shop at Barber Motors.
He worked for 12 years with Ke-ed Equipment, until 1997, gradually stepping back from farming. Known for his talent in sales and his excellent communication skills, he built strong relationships and served others with genuine care.
Keith was active in community sports, participating in baseball in his youth. He loved hunting, fishing, curling, and various outdoor pursuits with his good friends. Later with his family, if the work was done on the farm, they would enjoy camping, fishing, snowmobiling or destination traveling whether it be for a day or longer.
Keith's passions extended to aviation. His love for flying began early, and he earned his private pilot's license in 1967. As a skilled pilot, he was an active member of “The Flatland Five”, a private pilot formation group, where he formed lifelong friendships. Keith also helped establish CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue Association) in Saskatchewan. Weekly rituals included fly-in breakfasts, visiting at the airport, and sharing stories with fellow pilots.
Throughout his years on the farm, Keith was heavily involved in his community. He served as a counselor in Griffin from 1967 to 1974 and as Reeve from 1975 to 1978. He sat on the Weyburn Hospital Board representing the Rural Municipality of Griffin from 1975 to 1992, serving as chairman for several of those years. In 1977, the family moved to Weyburn, while continuing to farm until his son Todd began to take over the operation. Keith remained an active community member, supporting many activities, especially those involving his family. He was a proud Legion member for 52 years.
Keith was the proud grandfather of four: Baron, Max, Morgan and Nolan. He was a great-grandfather to Tatum. He loved fishing with his grandchildren and cheering them on in their sport or scholastic endeavors and was very proud how they all became such fine adults. They have all inherited their grandfather’s sense of humour. He looked forward to visits with his extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins and his extended Lafrentz family, nieces and nephews. When relatives came to visit, the house was usually filled with uproarious laughter from one of Keith’s stories.
Throughout his years, Keith was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. Keith was a hardworking farmer, tending to his land with care and pride, reflecting his strong work ethic and connection to the land. He continued to help out at the farm where he could until he was 80. His infectious laughter and storytelling will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy is a collection of cherished memories, enduring friendships, and the positive mark he left on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Parkway Lodge for their compassionate care in Keith’s final years, as well as Fletcher’s Funeral Home for their support during this difficult time.
Keith often remarked that he had a wonderful life filled with great friends and family and over the last few years often expressed satisfaction by saying “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Keith will be remembered and missed “just a little bit” as he requested, every day.
Keith was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Florence Sprecken as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Keith will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 64 years, Hazel Sprecken of Weyburn, SK; son, Todd Sprecken (Faith McDonald) of Griffin, SK; son, Jason Sprecken of Weyburn, SK; daughter, Elan (Todd) Lawrence of Weyburn, SK; grandchildren, Morgan Sprecken and her son, Tatum; Nolan Sprecken, Baron Lawrence, Max Lawrence, and extended family members as well as many good friends.
A Private Family Interment will take place at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Saskatchewan and a Celebration of Keith’s Life will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Upper Grace Hall, Grace United Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan.
Donations in memory of Keith may be made to Weyburn Wildlife Federation Inc. at PO Box 612, Weyburn, SK. S4H 2K7 or Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 47 at 150 3rd Street NE, Weyburn, SK. S4H 0W2.
Condolences may be left at:
http://www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com
Services In Care Of
Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
306-842-5432